paulmapp8306
Fractal Fanatic
OK - background.
I first used a ART SLA-2 with an AFX standard, but quickly switched to a VHT 2:50:2 as the art just wasnt doing it.
I then got hold of a Matrix - the 2nd person to have one for guitar, and before it was called the "GT....x" as some will remember I was involved - in a small way - of developing it for the modelling (and specifically AFX) market. I used that for years.
Then I had the opportunity for a days critical listening - with about 20 others - to some world class amps. It was noticeable that while the AFX/Matrix was on par with many of them -= once you got into truly boutique/top end stuff there was something missing. This led me back to a valve solution in the Fryette Power Station (Mk 1) - which is what I still use.
HOWEVER, having moved to the AFX3 now - Im using FRFR much more. At home my wife works nights so its often headphones (Senny HD650s) or lower levels at least (Neumann KH120s). Live I play keys now rather than guitar with the odd exception, and that exception everything goes through the desk (main guitarist also uses an AFX2). I want to keep the amp/cab for some things, and purely pleasure when I CAN turn up BUT I feel I need a SS solution to power the cab so Im not tweeking the power section of the amp block when I change.
I DONT want top go back to Matrix. Firstly I dont NEED stereo, mono is fine. secondly there no rack space (as the AFX3 takes up the 1U I used to use with the AFX2) and I dont have the height clearance at home for a taller rack.
So..... My feelings having look around are the Orange Pedal Baby, or the Seymore Duncan Power Stage. The clips Ive seen the Orange comes across slightly better - but you really cant judge from youtube, and many say that the PS is better with top end modellers while the orange suits pedals and pedal based pre amps (its in the title).
The orange is the same form factor as the Fryette - so no problem with that. The SD is smaller and I could probably mount it in the rear of my rack (as its a full wooded flight). the orange is half the price of the PS though.
Ultimately though - I dont want to compromise. If the SD is the better option - Ill pay the extra. If neither com e close to the Fryette Ill stick with what I have. If there another non rack based option then Im completely open to suggestions.
So - which way to go?
I first used a ART SLA-2 with an AFX standard, but quickly switched to a VHT 2:50:2 as the art just wasnt doing it.
I then got hold of a Matrix - the 2nd person to have one for guitar, and before it was called the "GT....x" as some will remember I was involved - in a small way - of developing it for the modelling (and specifically AFX) market. I used that for years.
Then I had the opportunity for a days critical listening - with about 20 others - to some world class amps. It was noticeable that while the AFX/Matrix was on par with many of them -= once you got into truly boutique/top end stuff there was something missing. This led me back to a valve solution in the Fryette Power Station (Mk 1) - which is what I still use.
HOWEVER, having moved to the AFX3 now - Im using FRFR much more. At home my wife works nights so its often headphones (Senny HD650s) or lower levels at least (Neumann KH120s). Live I play keys now rather than guitar with the odd exception, and that exception everything goes through the desk (main guitarist also uses an AFX2). I want to keep the amp/cab for some things, and purely pleasure when I CAN turn up BUT I feel I need a SS solution to power the cab so Im not tweeking the power section of the amp block when I change.
I DONT want top go back to Matrix. Firstly I dont NEED stereo, mono is fine. secondly there no rack space (as the AFX3 takes up the 1U I used to use with the AFX2) and I dont have the height clearance at home for a taller rack.
So..... My feelings having look around are the Orange Pedal Baby, or the Seymore Duncan Power Stage. The clips Ive seen the Orange comes across slightly better - but you really cant judge from youtube, and many say that the PS is better with top end modellers while the orange suits pedals and pedal based pre amps (its in the title).
The orange is the same form factor as the Fryette - so no problem with that. The SD is smaller and I could probably mount it in the rear of my rack (as its a full wooded flight). the orange is half the price of the PS though.
Ultimately though - I dont want to compromise. If the SD is the better option - Ill pay the extra. If neither com e close to the Fryette Ill stick with what I have. If there another non rack based option then Im completely open to suggestions.
So - which way to go?